Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit includes a seating assembly that has a seat air duct assembly disposed within an interior of the seating assembly. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The seating assembly is disposed on the first surface of the housing. A seat-directed duct is disposed within the housing. The seat-directed duct is in fluid communication with the seat air duct assembly and an intake defined by the housing. A condenser is disposed within the housing proximate to the intake and an evaporator is disposed within the housing proximate to an inlet of the seat-directed duct.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) unit. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to an HVAC unit for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles may include an HVAC system for treating air that is directedinto a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The HVAC system generally directsair from external to the vehicle and expels the air into the passengercabin after treating the air. The HVAC system may also recirculate airfrom the passenger cabin to the passenger cabin after treating the air.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicleheating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit includes a seatingassembly that has a seat air duct assembly disposed within an interiorof the seating assembly. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface.The seating assembly is disposed on the first surface of the housing. Aseat-directed duct is disposed within the housing. The seat-directedduct is in fluid communication with the seat air duct assembly and anintake defined by the housing. A condenser is disposed within thehousing proximate to the intake and an evaporator is disposed within thehousing proximate to an inlet of the seat-directed duct.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning unit for a vehicle includes a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly that has a housing definingan intake. The housing has a first surface and a second surface opposingthe first surface. A floor duct assembly is disposed within the housing.The floor duct assembly includes at least one seat-directed duct. Ablower motor is disposed proximate to an inlet of the at least oneseat-directed duct. The blower motor is configured to direct air throughthe inlet. At least one seating assembly is operably coupled to thefirst surface of the housing. The at least one seating assembly definesat least one air vent. The at least one seating assembly includes a seatair duct assembly in fluid communication with the floor duct assembly todirect air through the at least air vent.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly for a vehicle includes ahousing that defines an interior. The housing defines an intake fluidlycoupled with the interior. The housing defines a first vent opening on afirst surface thereof and a second vent opening on a second surfacethereof. A floor duct assembly is disposed within the interior of thehousing. The floor duct assembly includes a battery-directed duct influid communication with the intake and the first vent opening. Thebattery-directed duct is configured to direct air toward a battery. Aseat-directed duct is in fluid communication with the intake and thesecond vent opening. The seat-directed duct is configured to direct airtoward a seating assembly.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or inschematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a vehicle with an HVAC assemblyincluded in a support assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a vehicle with a vehicle body, an HVACassembly, and a battery platform, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a vehicle that includes an HVACassembly, a battery platform, and a truck body, which is illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a vehicle that includes an HVACassembly, a battery platform, and a van body, which is illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an HVAC assembly for a vehicle withan upper surface in phantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective of an HVAC unit including a seatingassembly disposed on an HVAC assembly, with an upper surface of the HVACassembly removed, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an HVAC unit including seatingassemblies disposed on an HVAC assembly, with an upper surface of theHVAC assembly removed, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an HVAC assembly for a vehicle withtwo HVAC system, with an upper surface of the HVAC assembly in phantom,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a support assembly for a vehicle includinga battery platform and an HVAC unit with a seating assembly disposed onthe battery platform, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an HVAC unit including seatingassemblies disposed on an HVAC assembly, with an upper surface of theHVAC assembly in phantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a seating assembly for a vehiclewith a seat air duct assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an engagement between a seat airduct assembly and a floor duct assembly of an HVAC assembly, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a seating assembly for a vehiclewith a seat air duct assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of a seating assembly defining airvents, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of a seating assembly defining arear air vent, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an HVAC unit for a vehicle, according tothe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Additional features and advantages of the presently disclosed devicewill be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognizedby practicing the device as described in the following description,together with the claims and appended drawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, reference numeral 10 generally designates aheating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit for a vehicle 12,which includes a seating assembly 14 that has a seat air duct assembly16 disposed within an interior 18 of the seating assembly 14. An HVACassembly 20 includes a housing 22 that has a first surface 24 and asecond surface 26. The seating assembly 14 is disposed on the firstsurface 24 of the housing 22. A seat-directed duct 28 is disposed withinthe housing 22. The seat-directed duct 28 is in fluid communication withthe seat air duct assembly 16 and an intake 30 defined by the housing22. A condenser 32 is disposed within the housing 22 proximate to theintake 30. An evaporator 34 is disposed within the housing 22 proximateto an inlet 36 of the seat-directed duct 28.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 12 generally includes a vehiclebody 46, the HVAC assembly 20, and a platform 48. Generally, theplatform 48 houses a battery 50 when the vehicle 12 is configured as abattery electric vehicle (BEV) 12. Additionally, the platform 48 and theHVAC assembly 20 form a base support assembly 52 for the vehicle 12,which supports the vehicle body 46 and the seating assembly 14 (FIG. 5).Wheels 54 are coupled to the platform 48, which also generally includesa drive unit. The HVAC assembly 20 is disposed on the platform 48between additional support features 56, 58. The vehicle body 46 iscoupled to the platform 48 over the HVAC assembly 20 and the supportfeatures 56, 58.

The vehicle 12 is illustrated as a truck; however, the vehicle 12 may bea sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a van, a crossover, other wheeledmotor vehicles 12, or other styles or types of vehicles 12. The vehicle12 may be a manually operated vehicle 12 (e.g., operated with the humandriver), a fully autonomous vehicle 12 (e.g., operated without a humandriver), or a partially autonomous vehicle 12 (e.g., operated with orwithout a human driver). Additionally, the vehicle 12 may be utilizedfor personal or commercial purposes, such as, for transporting,ride-providing services (e.g., chauffeuring), or ride-sharing services.Further, the vehicle 12 may be an electric vehicle 12, such as the BEV,or have an internal combustion engine.

The vehicle body 46 and the HVAC assembly 20 cooperate to substantiallyform an interior compartment 66 of the vehicle 12. The vehicle body 46generally includes four sides including a front, two lateral sides, anda top. A bottom of the vehicle body 46 is open and the HVAC assembly 20and the support features 56, 58 operate to close the bottom of thevehicle body 46 to enclose the interior compartment 66.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the platform 48, the HVAC assembly 20, andthe support features 56, 58 may be utilized with various configurationsof the vehicle body 46. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, thevehicle body 46 is configured as a truck body 68. In FIG. 3B, thevehicle body 46 is configured as a van body 70. The platform 48 and theHVAC assembly 20 may remain substantially similar and be utilized withvarious configurations of the vehicle body 46, including, but notlimited to the truck body 68 and the van body 70. The various vehiclebodies 46 may have common attachment points to engage the HVAC assembly20 and the platform 48. Accordingly, the HVAC assembly 20 may beinterchangeably utilized with multiple styles of vehicles 12 andplatforms 48.

Referring to FIG. 4, the HVAC assembly 20 includes the housing 22 havingthe first surface 24 and the second, opposing surface 26. Generally, thefirst surface 24 is an upper surface oriented toward the interiorcompartment 66. The second surface 26 is a lower surface oriented towardthe platform 48.

The housing 22 defines an interior 80 for housing an HVAC system 82 fortreating air drawn in through the intake 30. The housing 22 defines theintake 30 on a side 84 of the housing 22, which may generally be avehicle-forward side of the HVAC assembly 20. Air from an area externalto the vehicle 12 travels through the intake 30 to be treated by theHVAC system 82 within HVAC assembly 20. Accordingly, the interior 80 ofthe housing 22 is in fluid communication with the intake 30 fordirecting air through the HVAC system 82.

Generally, the HVAC system 82 cleans, cools, heats, regulates,ventilates, and/or dehumidifies air. Air enters through the intake 30,is processed by the HVAC system 82, and is expelled from the HVACassembly 20. The area in which the HVAC system 82 expels the air dependson the configuration of the HVAC assembly 20. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 4, the HVAC assembly 20 expels the air, through the firstsurface 24, and toward the interior compartment 66.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the HVAC system 82 generally includes thecondenser 32, a compressor 86, a drier 88, an expansion valve 90, andevaporators 92, 94 (which may collectively be referred to as theevaporators 34). The HVAC system 82 also generally includes a condenserfan 96 and blower motors 98, 100. The compressor 86 generally compressesa refrigerant into a heated vapor, thereby putting the HVAC system 82into a high-pressure state. The pressure forces the liquid out of thecompressor 86 through tubing 102 throughout the HVAC system 82. Thecompressor 86 is disposed within the interior 80 of the housing 22proximate to the condenser 32.

The condenser 32 is positioned adjacent to the intake 30. Therefrigerant travels from the compressor 86 to the condenser 32, wherethe refrigerant is cooled by air passing over the condenser 32.Generally, the refrigerant changes to a liquid as the refrigeranttravels through the condenser 32. The condenser fan 96 is disposedproximate to the condenser 32 and operates to cool the condenser 32.

The refrigerant then moves to the drier 88, which is disposed on anopposing side of the condenser 32 relative to the compressor 86. Thedrier 88 generally operates to remove moisture from the HVAC system 82.Further, the drier 88 may include a filter that can trap contaminantsthat may be inside the HVAC system 82.

The cooled refrigerant moves from the drier 88 to the expansion valve90. The expansion valve 90 generally creates a pressure drop. Theexpansion valve 90 operates to turn refrigerant into a gaseous form or amist. The expansion valve 90 is generally disposed proximate to thecondenser 32 and between the compressor 86 and the drier 88.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the two evaporators 92, 94 are disposedproximate to the expansion valve 90. The refrigerant travels from theexpansion valve 90 through at least one of the evaporators 92, 94 in thegaseous or mist state to absorb heat from the air that is moving throughthe evaporators 92, 94, respectively. Generally, after traveling throughthe evaporators 92, 94, the refrigerant then returns to the compressor86 to again be compressed. The blower motors 98, 100 are disposedadjacent to the expansion valve 90 between the evaporators 92, 94. Theblower motors 98, 100 operate to push the air across the evaporators 92,94.

As previously stated, the condenser 32 is disposed proximate to theintake 30 of the housing 22. Generally, the air travels through theintake 30 and passes over the condenser 32, thereby removing heat fromthe condenser 32. The air then travels through the interior 80 of thehousing 22. The blower motors 98, 100 operate to draw the air from theintake 30. Additionally or alternatively, the blower motors 98, 100 pushthe air across the cooled tubes of the evaporators 92, 94 to delivercooled air into a floor duct assembly 110. The air travels through thefloor duct assembly 110 and is expelled from the HVAC assembly 20.

The floor duct assembly 110 is disposed within the interior 80 of thehousing 22. The floor duct assembly 110 directs the air treated by theHVAC system 82 to different locations. The floor duct assembly 110includes a first seat-directed duct 112, second seat-directed duct 114,a third seat-directed duct 116, and a fourth seat-directed duct 118,which may collectively be referred to as the seat-directed ducts 28.

Each of the seat-directed ducts 28 is coupled to a duct connector 120and extends to a different location within the housing 22. The ductconnector 120 is generally hollow and directs air from the HVAC system82 to the floor duct assembly 110. The duct connector 120 is disposedwithin the interior 80 of the housing 22 proximate to the blower motors98, 100. The inlet 36 of each seat-directed duct 28 is in fluidcommunication with the duct connector 120. Accordingly, air may bedirected through the duct connector 120 and through the inlet 36 of eachseat-directed duct 28.

Generally, the first seat-directed duct 112 is a mirror image of thesecond seat-directed duct 114, while the third seat-directed duct 116 isa mirror image of the fourth seat-directed duct 118. The first andsecond seat-directed ducts 112, 114 are shorter in length than third andfourth seat-directed ducts 116, 118. The first and second seat-directedducts 112, 114 extend from the duct connector 120 and in opposingdirections relative to one another. The third and fourth seat-directedducts 116, 118 are coupled to the duct connector 120 between the firstand second seat-directed ducts 112, 114. The third and fourthseat-directed ducts 116, 118 extend in a vehicle-rearward directionwithin the interior 80 of the housing 22 and outward in opposingdirections relative to one another.

Each of the seat-directed duct 28 defines an outlet 124 that expels airupwards through the first surface 24 of the housing 22. The housing 22define vent openings 126 within the first surface 24. The outlets 124align with the vent openings 126 to expel air through the housing 22 andout of the HVAC assembly 20. The vent openings 126 are spaced apart onthe first surface 24, directing air to different locations over the HVACassembly 20.

Referring to FIG. 5, the seating assembly 14 is disposed on the firstsurface 24 of the housing 22. The seating assembly 14 includes a basesupport 140 operably coupled to the housing 22. A seat base 142 iscoupled to the base support 140 to provide a location for the passengerto sit. A seatback 144 is coupled to the seat base 142, and a headrest146 is coupled to the seatback 144. Generally, the seatback 144 hasbolsters 148, 150 to provide arm support to the passenger seated on theseating assembly 14.

Referring still to FIG. 5, as well as FIG. 6, the vehicle 12 in theillustrated example includes four seating assemblies 160, 162, 164, 166,which may collectively be referred to as the seating assemblies 14. Thefirst and second seating assemblies 160, 162 are arranged in a first,vehicle-forward seating row and the third and fourth seating assemblies164, 166 are arranged in a second, vehicle-rearward seating row.

The seat-directed ducts 28 each extend to a corresponding seatingassembly 14. For example, the first seat-directed duct 112 is in fluidcommunication with the seating assembly 160, and the secondseat-directed duct 114 is in fluid communication with the seatingassembly 162. Additionally, the third seat-directed duct 116 is in fluidcommunication with the seating assembly 164, and the fourthseat-directed duct 118 is in fluid communication with the seatingassembly 166. Each seating assembly 14 is disposed over one vent opening126 defined by the housing 22, such that air may be directed fromrespective seat-directed duct 28 of the floor duct assembly 110 and intothe interior 18 of the seating assembly 14, respectively. Additionallyor alternatively, the floor duct assembly 110 is coupled with the seatair duct assembly 16 disposed within the interior 18 of each of theseating assemblies 14 to provide airflow to the passengers on theseating assemblies 14, as discussed further herein.

Each seating assembly 14 is configured to rotate about a respectiverotational axis 170. Each seating assembly 14 is configured to rotateabout 360° about the rotational axis 170. The seat air duct assembly 16rotates with the seating assembly 14 to provide a similar airflowexperience as the seating assembly 14 rotates between differentpositions relative to the HVAC assembly 20. The seating assemblies 14may be oriented in any direction relative to the HVAC assembly 20, andconsequently the vehicle 12, and experience a substantially similarairflow experience.

Referring to FIG. 7, an additional or alternative configuration of theHVAC unit 10 with an additional or alternative HVAC assembly 20 isillustrated. In the illustrated example, the HVAC assembly 20 has a dualsystem for treating and expelling air. The HVAC assembly 20 includes ahousing 178 that defines a first intake 180 on a first side 182 thereofand a second intake 184 on the second, opposing side 186 thereof. Thefirst and second intakes 180, 184 are generally disposed proximate tofront wheels 54 of the vehicle 12, as best illustrated in FIG. 8. Thehousing 178, similar to the housing 22, is configured to be disposed onthe platform 48 as part of the base support assembly 52 (FIG. 8).

The HVAC assembly 20 includes an HVAC system 194 associated with thefirst intake 180 and an HVAC system 196 associated with the secondintake 184. Each HVAC system 194, 196 includes the condenser 32, thecompressor 86, the drier 88, the expansion valve 90, and the evaporators92, 94. Additionally, each HVAC system 194, 196 includes the condenserfan 96 disposed proximate to the condenser 32 and the blower motors 98,100. A cover 200 is coupled to the housing 178 proximate to each of thefirst intake 180 and the second intake 184 for guiding airflow into thehousing 178, while substantially preventing debris from entering thehousing 178.

For the HVAC system 194, the condenser 32 is disposed proximate to thefirst intake 180. The condenser fan 96 is disposed proximate to thecondenser 32 for cooling the condenser 32. The compressor 86 and thedrier 88 are disposed proximate to the condenser 32. The expansion valve90 is disposed proximate to compressor 86 and the blower motors 98, 100.The blower motors 98, 100 are disposed between the evaporators 92, 94.The HVAC system 194 is generally disposed proximate to the first side182 of the housing 178. The HVAC system 194 operates in a similar manneras the HVAC system 82 described herein.

Referring still to FIG. 7, the HVAC system 194 is in fluid communicationwith a first floor duct assembly 210. The first floor duct assembly 210includes two seat-directed ducts 212, 214 and three battery-directedducts 216, 218, 220. The inlet 36 of each seat-directed duct 212, 214and an inlet 226 of each battery-directed duct 216, 218, 220 aredisposed proximate to one another and the blower motors 98, 100.Generally, each seat-directed duct 212, 214 and each battery-directedduct 216, 218, 220 is coupled to a duct connector 228, which fluidlycouples the HVAC system 194 with the first floor duct assembly 210. Thethree battery-directed ducts 216, 218, 220 are generally disposedbetween the two seat-directed ducts 212, 214 adjacent to the ductconnector 228. The blower motors 98, 100 operate to push air over theevaporators 92, 94, and through the inlets 36, 226 of the first floorduct assembly 210.

The seat-directed duct 212 is generally a mirror image of theseat-directed duct 214. The seat-directed duct 212 extends from the ductconnector 228 in a vehicle-forward direction, and the seat-directed duct214 extends from the duct connector 228 in a vehicle-rearward direction.The battery-directed duct 216 is generally a mirror image of thebattery-directed duct 218. The battery-directed duct 216 extends fromthe duct connector 228 in a vehicle-forward direction, and thebattery-directed duct 218 extends from the duct connector 228 in avehicle-rearward direction. Each of the battery-directed duct 216 andthe battery-directed duct 218 extend greater distances than theseat-directed ducts 212, 214, respectively. The battery-directed duct220 extends from the duct connector 228 toward a central location withinthe housing 178. The battery-directed duct 218 extends in avehicle-forward direction but does not extend as far in thevehicle-forward direction as the seat-directed duct 212. Each duct ofthe floor duct assembly 210 extends to a different location on the firstside 182 of the housing 178.

Referring still to FIG. 7, the HVAC system 196 is associated with thesecond intake 184 on the second side 186 of the housing 178. The HVACsystem 196 includes the condenser 32 disposed proximate to the secondintake 184. Air travels through the second intake 184, over thecondenser 32, and toward the blower motors 98, 100. The blower motors98, 100 push air over the evaporators 92, 94 to direct air into a secondfloor duct assembly 240.

The second floor duct assembly 240 includes two seat-directed ducts 242,244 and three battery-directed ducts 246, 248, 250. The seat-directedducts 242, 244 and the battery-directed ducts 246, 248, 250 are eachcoupled to a duct connector 252. The inlet 36 of each seat-directed duct242, 244 and the inlet 226 of each battery-directed duct 246, 248, 250are disposed proximate to the blower motors 98, 100 to receive airprocessed by the HVAC system 196. The seat-directed duct 242 isgenerally a mirror image of the seat-directed duct 244. Theseat-directed duct 242 extends from the duct connector 252 in avehicle-forward direction, and the seat-directed duct 244 extends fromthe duct connector in the vehicle-rearward direction.

The battery-directed duct 246 is generally a mirror image of thebattery-directed duct 248. The battery-directed duct 246 extends fromthe duct connector 252 in a vehicle-forward direction, and thebattery-directed duct 248 extends from the duct connector 252 in avehicle-rearward direction. Each of the battery-directed duct 246 andthe battery-directed duct 248 extend greater distances than theseat-directed ducts 242, 244, respectively. The battery-directed duct250 extends from the duct connector 252 toward a central location withinthe housing 178. The battery-directed duct 250 extends in avehicle-rearward direction but does not extend as far in thevehicle-rearward direction as the seat-directed duct 244. Each duct ofthe second floor duct assembly 240 extends to a different location onthe second side 186 of the housing 178.

Generally, the HVAC system 194 is a mirror image of the HVAC system 196.Additionally or alternatively, the seat-directed ducts 212, 214 of thefirst floor duct assembly 210 are mirror images of the seat-directedducts 242, 244 of the second floor duct assembly 240. Further, thebattery-directed ducts 216, 218 are mirror images of thebattery-directed ducts 246, 248.

Referring still to FIG. 7, as well as FIG. 8, the HVAC assembly 20generally includes a rotation support 260 coupled to each seatingassembly 14. Each rotation support 260 may be disposed partially withinthe interior 80 of the housing 178 and partially on the first surface 24of the housing 178. The first surface 24 of the housing 178 definesgrooves 262 for accommodating each rotation support 260. The rotationsupports 260 allow the seating assemblies 14 to rotate about therespective rotational axis 170.

The HVAC assembly 20 includes the two floor duct assemblies 210, 240 fordirecting air to multiple locations and in multiple directions relativeto the housing 178. The HVAC assembly 20 includes the seat-directedducts 212, 214, 242, 244, which may generally be referred to as theseat-directed ducts 28. The HVAC assembly 20 also includes thebattery-directed ducts 216, 218, 220 and the battery-directed ducts 246,248, 250, which may be generally be referred to as battery-directedducts 268.

The first surface 24 of the housing 178 defines vent openings 266.Generally, the outlet 124 of each seat-directed duct 28 aligns with oneof the vent openings 266. In this way, the seat-directed ducts 28 directair through the vent openings 266 defined in the first surface 24 of thehousing 178. Each rotation support 260 includes a hollow center 270 thataligns with one of the vent openings 266, respectively. The seat ducts28 may extend at least partially through the hollow center 270 of therespective rotation support 260 to direct air through the vent opening266.

Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing 178 defines vent openings280 in the second surface 26 of the housing 178. The vent openings 280generally align with outlets 282 of the battery-directed ducts 268. Thebattery-directed ducts 268 direct air through the second surface 26 ofthe housing 178. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the housing 178is disposed on the platform 48 over the battery 50. The battery-directedducts 268 direct air toward the battery 50 housed in the platform 48.The air directed toward the battery 50 operates to cool the battery 50.

The HVAC assembly 20 directs air in opposing directions through each ofthe first surface 24 and the second surface 26 of housing 178 toaccomplish two separate operations. Air is directed through the firstsurface 24 to the seating assemblies 14 and, consequently, the interiorcompartment 66 of the vehicle 12. Additionally, the air is directedthrough the second surface 26 of the housing 178 toward the battery 50housed in the platform 48. As such, the HVAC assembly 20 operates tocool the passengers in the interior compartment 66 (FIG. 1) and thebattery 50 housed below the HVAC assembly 20.

Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8, as well as to FIG. 9, the seatingassemblies 14 are fluidly coupled with the seat-directed ducts 28disposed of the housing 178. Air is directed through the first intake180, treated by the HVAC system 194, through the floor duct assembly210, and through the seating assemblies 162, 166 disposed proximate tothe first side 182 of the housing 178. Generally concurrently, air isdirected through the second intake 184, treated by the HVAC system 196,through the floor duct assembly 240, and through the seating assemblies164, 166 disposed proximate to the second side 186 of the housing 178.

Each seating assembly 14 includes the seat air duct assembly 16 disposedwithin the interior 18 thereof. The seat air duct assembly 16 providesfor heated and cooled seating assemblies 14. The seat air duct assembly16 rotates with the respective seating assembly 14 about the rotationalaxis 170. Accordingly, as the seating assembly 14 rotates about therotational axis 170, the airflow relative to the passenger on theseating assembly 14 remains substantially unchanged.

Referring to FIG. 10, each seat air duct assembly 16 includes a centralair duct 290 that couples with the respective seat-directed duct 28 andextends through the seating assembly 14. The central air duct 290extends from proximate to the housing 178 to the headrest 146. The seatair duct assembly 16 includes air duct branches 292 extending therefrom.The air duct branches 292 generally include foot branches 294, 296, abase branch 298, arm branches 300, 302, and a headrest branch 304. Eachair duct branch 292 extends from the central air duct 290.

The foot branches 294, 296 are generally disposed within the basesupport 140 of the seating assembly 14. The foot branch 294 extends fromthe central air duct 290 in a seat-forward direction and the foot branch296 extends from the central air duct 290 in a seat-rear direction. Thefoot branches 294, 296 are illustrated extending from the central airduct 290 at a substantially same height relative to the housing 178, butit is contemplated that the foot branches 294, 296 may extend from thecentral air duct 290 at different heights without departing from theteachings herein. The base branch 298 is disposed downstream of the footbranches 294, 296. The base branch 298 is disposed within the seat base142 of the seating assembly. The base branch 298 generally extendsvertically upward from the central air duct 290.

The arm branches 300, 302 are generally disposed downstream of the basebranches 298. The arm branches 300, 302 extends laterally from thecentral air duct 290, through the seatback 144, and to the bolsters 148,150. The arm branch 300 extends from the central air duct 290 in aseat-right direction to the bolster 148, and the arm branch 302 extendsfrom the central air duct 290 extends in a seat-left direction to thebolster 150. The arm branches 300, 302 are illustrated extending fromthe central air duct 290 at a substantially same height relative to thehousing 178, but it is contemplated that the arm branches 300, 302 mayextend from the central air duct 290 at different heights withoutdeparting from the teachings herein.

The headrest branch 304 is disposed downstream of the arm branches 300,302. Generally, the headrest branch 304 extends from a distal end 306 ofthe central air duct 290. The headrest branch 304 extends laterally fromthe central air duct 290 in each of a seat-right and seat-leftdirection. The headrest branch 304 extends laterally through theheadrest 146.

Referring still to FIG. 10, as well as FIG. 11, the central air duct 290is rotatably coupled to the respective seat-directed duct 28 to allowrotation of the seating assembly 14 and the associated seat air ductassembly 16. At least one of the central air duct 290 and theseat-directed duct 28 extends through the first surface 24 of thehousing 178 to form the rotating engagement. Each seat-directed duct 28include a radial flange 316 that engages a rim 318 of the central airduct 290. The radial flange 316 is disposed within the central air duct290. The radial flange 316 extends outward and the rim 318 extendsinward, thereby retaining the radial flange 316 on the rim 318 andpreventing disengagement of the seat-directed duct 28 with the centralair duct 290. The radial flange 316 slidably engages the rim 318. Thesliding engagement between the radial flange 316 and the rim 318 allowsthe rotation of the seat air duct assembly 16 about the rotational axis170.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13B, each seating assembly 14 defines multiple airvents 320 for expelling air from the seat air duct assembly 16 to thepassenger on the seating assembly 14. In the illustrated examples, themultiple air vents 320 include a foot air vent 322, a rear air vent 324,a first arm air vent 326, a second arm air vent 328, a base air vent330, and a headrest air vent 332. The foot air vent 322 is defined in aseat-forward portion of the base support 140, and the rear air vent 324is defined in a seat-rear portion of the base support 140. The first armair vent 326 is defined in the bolster 148, and the second arm air vent328 is defined in the bolster 150. The base air vent 330 is defined inthe seat base 142, and the headrest air vent 332 is defined in theheadrest 146.

Generally, the air duct branches 292 align with the air vents 320 todirect air through the air vents 320 to the passenger on or adjacent tothe seating assembly 14. The foot branch 294 directs air through thefoot air vent 322 to a foot area of the passenger on the seatingassembly 14. The foot branch 296 directs air through the rear air vent324 to a foot area of the passenger in an adjacent seating assembly 14.The base branch 298 directs air through the base air vent 330 to a seatof the passenger on the seating assembly 14. The first arm branch 300directs air through the arm vent 326 and the second arm branch 302directs air through the arm vent 328 to provide air toward arm areas ofthe passenger on the seating assembly 14. The headrest branch 304directs air through the headrest air vent 332 to direct air to a headarea of the passenger on the seating assembly 14. As the seatingassembly 14 rotates, the air continues to be expelled in the same areasrelative to the passenger as the seat air duct assembly 16 rotates withthe seating assembly 14.

Referring still to FIGS. 12-13B, the seat air duct assembly 16 generallyincludes a first shutoff valve 340 and a second shutoff valve 342. Eachshutoff valve 340, 342 operates to close the central air duct 290 andprevent air from being directed further downstream in the central airduct 290. The first shutoff valve 340 is generally disposed downstreamof the foot branches 294, 296 and upstream of the base branch 298.Accordingly, air may be directed through the foot air vent 322 and therear air vent 324, but not through the remainder of the air vents 320 ofthe seating assembly 14. The second shutoff valve 342 is disposeddownstream of the base branch 298 upstream of the arm branches 300, 302.Accordingly, air may be directed through the foot air vent 322, the rearair vent 324, and the base air vent 330, but not the remainder of theair vents 320.

Each shutoff valve 340, 342 is operably coupled with a valve actuator344 to adjusting the respective shutoff valve 340, 342 between openedand closed positions. In certain aspects, each shutoff valve 340, 342may be a motorized damper with a rotating flap to open and close thecentral air duct 290. Each valve actuator 344 may be a plurality ofgears, a rack and pinion gear assembly, rails, rotation assemblies,motorized assemblies, or other practicable electromechanicalconfigurations. Each of the shutoff valves 340, 342 may be configured asa sliding or rotating flap or multiple flaps within the central air duct290 that are adjusted between different positions to open and close thecentral air duct 290.

Referring to FIG. 14, as well as FIGS. 1-13, the HVAC unit 10 includes acontroller 360 for controlling various aspects of the HVAC unit 10. Thecontroller 360 includes a processor 362, a memory 364, and other controlcircuitry. Instructions or routines 366 are stored in the memory 364 andexecutable the processor 362. The controller 360 is in communicationwith the HVAC system 82 or the HVAC systems 194, 196, depending on theconfiguration of the HVAC assembly 20. The controller 360 activates theHVAC system 82 or the HVAC systems 194, 196 to treat the air enteringthe HVAC assembly 20. In examples with the dual HVAC system 194, 196,the controller 360 may selectively and independently activate each HVACsystem 194, 196.

The controller 360 is also in communication with the valve actuators 344associated with the first and second shutoff valves 340, 342 to controlairflow to the passengers. The controller 360 may selectively andindependently activate each valve actuator 344 to provide customizableairflow experiences to passengers in each seating assembly 14.

Additionally, the controller 360 may be in communication with rotationactuators 368 associated with the rotation supports 260 to rotate theseating assemblies 14 to a selected position. Each rotation support 260is operably coupled with a rotation actuator 368 for rotating therotation support 260 relative to the rotational axis 170. The rotationactuators 368 may be disposed within HVAC assembly 20 and substantiallyobscured from the view of the passengers. The rotation actuators 368 maybe motorized turntables, motorized rail assemblies, rotary actuators,gear assemblies, or other practicable configurations. Each rotationsupport 260 may be independently rotated about the respective rotationalaxis 170 to selectively and independently rotate the seating assemblies14.

The controller 360 may be in communication with a user interface 370that receives an input from the passenger or other user. The userinterface 370 may include a display 372, microphone 374, a sensor 376,or a combination thereof to receive the input. Depending on theconfiguration of the user interface 370, the user interface 370 mayreceive touch inputs on the display 372, voice commands through themicrophone 374, and/or sense a gesture with the sensor 376. The userinterface 370 receives the input and communicates the input to thecontroller 360. The controller 360 may subsequently control variousaspects of the HVAC unit 10 in response to the input, including, but notlimited to, an airflow path through each seat air duct assembly 16 and aposition of each seating assembly 14.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. Forexample, the HVAC assembly 20 is disposed on the platform 48, therebyproviding additional space within the interior compartment 66 of thevehicle 12. Additionally, the HVAC assembly 20 is a self-containedmodule that may be used with various configurations of the vehicle body46. Also, the HVAC assembly 20 may direct air into each seating assembly14. Further, the HVAC assembly 20 may direct air into each seatingassembly 14, as well as to the battery 50 within the platform 48.Moreover, the first and second shutoff valves 340, 342 may beindependently operated to open and close portions of the central airduct 290 of each seating assembly 14. Additionally, the seat air ductassembly 16 rotates with the corresponding seating assemblies 14 andprovides a substantially similar HVAC experience to the passenger on theseating assembly 14 in various positions the seating assembly 14 aboutthe rotational axis 170. Moreover, the seat air duct assembly 16rotating with the seating assembly 14 provides greater flexibility forthe seating assembly 14 without affecting the airflow provided to thepassenger. Also, the configuration and positioning of the HVAC assembly20 may improve the experience of the passenger within the vehicle 12.Moreover, in BEV examples, the positioning of the HVAC assembly 20provides space for more dynamic interiors where the HVAC assembly 20 isnot utilized for cooling an internal combustion engine. Additionalbenefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

According to various examples, a vehicle heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit includes a seating assembly that has a seat air ductassembly disposed within an interior of the seating assembly. A heating,ventilation, and air conditioning assembly including a housing having afirst surface and a second surface. The seating assembly is disposed onthe first surface of the housing. A seat-directed duct is disposedwithin the housing. The seat-directed duct is in fluid communicationwith the seat air duct assembly and an intake defined by the housing. Acondenser is disposed within the housing proximate to the intake and anevaporator is disposed within the housing proximate to an inlet of theseat-directed duct. Embodiments of the present disclosure may includeone or a combination of the following features:

-   -   a blower motor disposed in the housing proximate to the inlet of        the seat-directed duct, wherein the blower motor is configured        to direct air through the inlet of the seat-directed duct;    -   a battery-directed duct disposed within the housing, wherein the        battery-directed duct defines an outlet in fluid communication        with a vent opening defined by the second surface of the housing        to direct air toward a battery;    -   a platform housing the battery, wherein the heating,        ventilation, and air conditioning assembly is disposed on the        platform;    -   a duct connector disposed within the housing, wherein each of        the seat-directed duct and the battery-directed duct are coupled        to the duct connector, and wherein the duct connector is        disposed proximate to the evaporator;    -   the seat air duct assembly includes a central air duct extending        from proximate to the first surface of the housing to proximate        a headrest of the seating assembly; and    -   the central air duct is rotatably coupled to the seat-directed        duct to allow the seating assembly to rotate relative to the        housing.

According to various examples, a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit for a vehicle includes a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly includes a housing defining an intake. The housinghas a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. Afloor duct assembly is disposed within the housing. The floor ductassembly includes at least one seat-directed duct. A blower motor isdisposed proximate to an inlet of the at least one seat-directed duct.The blower motor is configured to direct air through the inlet. At leastone seating assembly is operably coupled to the first surface of thehousing. The at least one seating assembly defines at least one airvent. The at least one seating assembly includes a seat air ductassembly in fluid communication with the floor duct assembly to directair through the at least one air vent. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the at least one seating assembly includes a first seating        assembly and a second seating assembly, wherein the at least one        seat-directed duct includes a first seat-directed duct fluidly        coupled to the first seating assembly and a second seat-directed        duct fluidly coupled to the second seating assembly;    -   the at least one air vent includes multiple air vents defined by        the at least one seating assembly, wherein the seat air duct        assembly includes a central air duct and air duct branches        extending from the central air duct, and wherein each air duct        branch directs air from the central air duct to at least one of        the multiple air vents;    -   the multiple air vents include a foot air vent, an arm air vent,        a seat base air vent, and a headrest air vent;    -   the seat air duct assembly includes a shutoff valve for        selectively opening and closing the seat air duct assembly;    -   a rotation support disposed at least partially within the        housing and operably coupled to the at least one seating        assembly, wherein the rotation support is configured to rotate        the at least one seating assembly about a rotational axis;    -   the at least one seat-directed duct of the floor duct assembly        extends through the rotation support to couple with the seat air        duct assembly; and    -   the floor duct assembly includes a battery-directed duct,        wherein the battery-directed duct directs air through a vent        opening defined in the second surface of the housing toward a        battery.

According to various examples, a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that defines aninterior. The housing defines an intake fluidly coupled with theinterior. The housing defines a first vent opening on a first surfacethereof and a second vent opening on a second surface thereof. A floorduct assembly is disposed within the interior of the housing. The floorduct assembly includes a battery-directed duct in fluid communicationwith the intake and the first vent opening. The battery-directed duct isconfigured to direct air toward a battery. A seat-directed duct is influid communication with the intake and the second vent opening. Theseat-directed duct is configured to direct air toward a seatingassembly. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or acombination of the following features:

-   -   a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system disposed        within the interior of the housing, wherein the heating,        ventilation, and air conditioning system is in fluid        communication with the intake and the floor duct assembly;    -   a rotation support operably coupled to the seating assembly, and        wherein the seating assembly is rotatable relative to the        housing via the rotation support;    -   a platform housing the battery, wherein the housing is disposed        on the platform;    -   a duct connector coupled to the battery-directed duct and the        seat-directed duct; and    -   a blower motor disposed proximate to the duct connector to        direct air from the intake into each of the battery-directed        duct and the seat-directed duct.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, controllers, andcircuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed hereinmay be implemented or performed with application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), generalpurpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs) or other logicdevices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, state machine, or the like. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples isillustrative only. Although only a few examples of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system might beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure, which is defined by the following claims, as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine ofequivalents.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent disclosure, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit, comprising: a seating assembly including a seat airduct assembly disposed within an interior of the seating assembly; and aheating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly including: a housinghaving a first surface and a second surface, wherein the seatingassembly is disposed on the first surface of the housing; aseat-directed duct disposed within the housing, wherein theseat-directed duct is in fluid communication with the seat air ductassembly and an intake defined by the housing; a condenser disposedwithin the housing proximate to the intake; and an evaporator disposedwithin the housing proximate to an inlet of the seat-directed duct. 2.The vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 1,further comprising: a blower motor disposed in the housing proximate tothe inlet of the seat-directed duct, wherein the blower motor isconfigured to direct air through the inlet of the seat-directed duct. 3.The vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 1,further comprising: a battery-directed duct disposed within the housing,wherein the battery-directed duct defines an outlet in fluidcommunication with a vent opening defined by the second surface of thehousing to direct air toward a battery.
 4. The vehicle heating,ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 3, further comprising: aplatform housing the battery, wherein the heating, ventilation, and airconditioning assembly is disposed on the platform.
 5. The vehicleheating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 3, furthercomprising: a duct connector disposed within the housing, wherein eachof the seat-directed duct and the battery-directed duct are coupled tothe duct connector, and wherein the duct connector is disposed proximateto the evaporator.
 6. The vehicle heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit of claim 1, wherein the seat air duct assemblyincludes a central air duct extending from proximate to the firstsurface of the housing to proximate a headrest of the seating assembly.7. The vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim6, wherein the central air duct is rotatably coupled to theseat-directed duct to allow the seating assembly to rotate relative tothe housing.
 8. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit for avehicle, comprising: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly including: a housing defining an intake, wherein the housinghas a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; afloor duct assembly disposed within the housing, wherein the floor ductassembly includes at least one seat-directed duct; and a blower motordisposed proximate to an inlet of the at least one seat-directed duct,wherein the blower motor is configured to direct air through the inlet;and at least one seating assembly operably coupled to the first surfaceof the housing, wherein the at least one seating assembly defines atleast one air vent, and wherein the at least one seating assemblyincludes a seat air duct assembly in fluid communication with the floorduct assembly to direct air through the at least one air vent.
 9. Theheating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 8, wherein theat least one seating assembly includes a first seating assembly and asecond seating assembly, wherein the at least one seat-directed ductincludes a first seat-directed duct fluidly coupled to the first seatingassembly and a second seat-directed duct fluidly coupled to the secondseating assembly.
 10. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioningunit of claim 9, wherein the at least one air vent includes multiple airvents defined by the at least one seating assembly, wherein the seat airduct assembly includes a central air duct and air duct branchesextending from the central air duct, and wherein each air duct branchdirects air from the central air duct to at least one of the multipleair vents.
 11. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit ofclaim 10, wherein the multiple air vents include a foot air vent, an armair vent, a seat base air vent, and a headrest air vent.
 12. Theheating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit of claim 9, wherein theseat air duct assembly includes a shutoff valve for selectively openingand closing the seat air duct assembly.
 13. The heating, ventilation,and air conditioning unit of claim 8, further comprising: a rotationsupport disposed at least partially within the housing and operablycoupled to the at least one seating assembly, wherein the rotationsupport is configured to rotate the at least one seating assembly abouta rotational axis.
 14. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioningunit of claim 13, wherein the at least one seat-directed duct of thefloor duct assembly extends through the rotation support to couple withthe seat air duct assembly.
 15. The heating, ventilation, and airconditioning unit of claim 8, wherein the floor duct assembly includes abattery-directed duct, wherein the battery-directed duct directs airthrough a vent opening defined in the second surface of the housingtoward a battery.
 16. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioningassembly for a vehicle, comprising: a housing defining an interior,wherein the housing defines an intake fluidly coupled with the interior,and wherein the housing defines a first vent opening on a first surfacethereof and a second vent opening on a second surface thereof; and afloor duct assembly disposed within the interior of the housing, whereinthe floor duct assembly includes: a battery-directed duct in fluidcommunication with the intake and the first vent opening, wherein thebattery-directed duct is configured to direct air toward a battery; anda seat-directed duct in fluid communication with the intake and thesecond vent opening, wherein the seat-directed duct is configured todirect air toward a seating assembly.
 17. The heating, ventilation, andair conditioning assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning system disposed within the interior ofthe housing, wherein the heating, ventilation, and air conditioningsystem is in fluid communication with the intake and the floor ductassembly.
 18. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly ofclaim 16, further comprising: a rotation support operably coupled to theseating assembly, and wherein the seating assembly is rotatable relativeto the housing via the rotation support.
 19. The heating, ventilation,and air conditioning assembly of claim 16, further comprising: aplatform housing the battery, wherein the housing is disposed on theplatform.
 20. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly ofclaim 16, further comprising: a duct connector coupled to thebattery-directed duct and the seat-directed duct; and a blower motordisposed proximate to the duct connector to direct air from the intakeinto each of the battery-directed duct and the seat-directed duct.